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Natural Selection and the Evolution of Life Expectancy

Author

Listed:
  • Oded Galor

    (Brown University & Hebrew University)

  • Omer Moav

    (Hebrew University)

Abstract

This research develops an evolutionary growth theory that captures the intricate time path of life expectancy in the process of development, shedding new light on the origin of the remarkable rise in life expectancy since the Agricultural Revolution. The theory argues that social, economic and environmental changes that were associated with the transition from hunter-gatherer tribes to sedentary agricultural communities and ultimately to urban societies affected the nature of the environmental hazards confronted by the human population, triggering an evolutionary process that had a significant impact on the time path of human longevity.

Suggested Citation

  • Oded Galor & Omer Moav, 2004. "Natural Selection and the Evolution of Life Expectancy," GE, Growth, Math methods 0409004, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:wpa:wuwpge:0409004
    Note: Type of Document - pdf; pages: 38
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Life Expectancy; Growth; Technological Progress; Evolution; Natural Selection; Malthusian Stagnation.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • N3 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General

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